Arizona Cardinals Positional Battles And Who Pulled Ahead
by Skii on Aug 21, 2011 5:06 PM MDT
in NFL Preseason/Training Camp
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Although there are some positions where the starter(s) is/are set (Example: Kevin Kolb as the starting QB), there are some positional battles that are still going on. After the game vs. the Packers, some players have pulled ahead in the competition for the starting job, and some have pushed forward to make the roster.
Who are they? Hit the jump to find out.
1) Chris Beanie-Wells, RB
Yes, I know, Beanie Wells has the starting job locked up now since Ryan Williams is out for 9-12 months. But Beanie-Well still showed flashes of his 2009 self against the Packers. One such play was when he laid out A.J. Hawk with a shoulder chuck. He had 11 carries for 44 yards, and although those aren't the most incredible numbers in the world, he still looked good.
2) Andre Roberts, WR
Andre Roberts made a big case for being the #2 WR Friday when he made two crucial catches for 1st Downs. Roberts got to start the game opposite Larry Fitzgerald, so maybe the Coaches are thinking the same thing too. His longest play was 17 yards, which is definitely encouraging. I'm starting to understand why the Front Office didn't go after a Free Agent or trade for a #2 WR.
3) DeMarco Sampson, WR
With Stephen Williams looking shaky (Although he did catch a TD), 7th Round pick DeMarco Sampson made a bigger push to make the team. Making 3 catches for 68 yards, with the longest play being 45 yards, Sampson made it clear that he intends to carry over his great Training Camp performance onto the field.
4) Robert Housler, TE
Although the Cardinals acquired All-pro TE Todd Heap through Free Agency, rookie TE Robert Housler showed that the starting TE spot isn't locked up yet by making 5 catches for 68 yards, the longest play being 17 yards. Although I personally think that Todd Heap will still be the starter on Opening Day due to Coach Whiz's preference to start veterans first, Housler still showed that if needed, he can step it up.
5) Richard Bartel, QB
Kevin Kolb and John Skelton are practically locks to be the Starting and Backup QB's, but the team currently has a battle going on for the 3rd String QB job between Richard Bartel and Max Hall. Completing 13 of 19 passes for 169 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception, Bartel made a great argument for himself. Considering the fact that Hall only completed 2 of 4 passes for 13 yards, Bartel seems to be in the lead at this point.
If I missed anyone you think should be included on this list, feel free to comment below.
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AJ Jefferson
is lookin pretty solid, he’s playing better than PP.
Would not be surprised at all to see him and Toler starting week 1. Peterson has to earn it, and from the two games so far it is clear he still has a lot of development to make in his game to become an upper echelon #1 corner, which is what everyone beleives his WILL become.
He was hurt by the lockout
On the Jennings TD, he actually did look like he was in good coverage, he just needs to be aware of the ball so he can try to knock it down.
Arizona Cardinals/Phoenix Suns/ Arizona Diamondbacks/Phoenix Coyotes/ Arizona Rattlers/Chicago Bears fan
[I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
Yeah
Wicked tough pass to cover
by Jesse Reynolds on Aug 21, 2011 10:04 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
without question peterson hasn't earned the job... not even close.
"The point is, by my standards, I won fair and square."
-Bender
Honesdtly right now I might just be more comfortable having Bartel taking snaps as the #2 over Skelton come regular season. I think he just looks more comfortable when he is in the game. Have the more experienced guy as the backup and continue to let Skelton develop on the roster as the #3.
Hall is the odd guy out becasue he does not have the quality or the upside.
I agree
Skelton looked pretty bad and he had the benefit of the starting line his first series (though that might mean much).
by Jesse Reynolds on Aug 21, 2011 5:26 PM MDT up reply actions
I was thinking the same thing
But put Skelton ahead only because he’s started a few NFL games.
But yes, Bartel is looking great.
What are you guys smoking? Bartel?!
Skelton looked a lot more comfortable and better overall than Bartel. Bartel also threw some ugly balls. No, I’m definitely good with Skelton being number 2.
Bartel
did look good. He had a couple overthrown passes and the one atrocious mistake throwing into triple coverage. He has definitely pushed Hall out of the picture. I do see him pushing Skelton for the #2 spot. Skelton threw some bad passes too. Coming out early due to his ankle gave Bartel opportunity that did not help Skelton. I think Skelton has the edge now and I think he does hold on to the job. I don’t think it’s as safe as I did before rewatching the game.
I agree whole heartedly
IMO, Skelton looked bad last game. Skelton has a great arm and Big Ben like ability to stand tall in the pocket forever, but he can be so inaccurate and seems to read the defense slow.
Bartel looked sharp besides that stupid INT. It has little to do with talent and more to do with the fact he’s been playing football longer.
I guess in Bartel’s case, fourth times a charm??
by Jesse Reynolds on Aug 22, 2011 12:37 AM MDT up reply actions
I'd like to see
Stewart Bradley starting over Lenon and Schofield over Haggans next game. I thought both Haggans and Lenon looked slow out there and in a zone-blitz defense, speed kills.
I also am questing my earlier logic on Stuckey. He hasn’t made much noise throughout camp. Komar made a few catches and I remember why everyone liked him so much last camp. He is a tough, smart player and being young gives him more potential. Two more games to see though.
Mauia also had a pretty decent showing, definitely muddy the picture of Sherman taking his spot.
Carter, Eason and Holliday all had pretty good outings. We still looked weak up the middle, especially against the first team O but I am hoping some of that has to do with our slow older LB’s.
Lastly, I wonder who steps up at safety. So far Ware, Abdullah and Johnson have been average and at times less. Teams have definitely exposed them the last two games.
Komar also produced well down the stretch with Skelton, he had 6 catches in the final two games of the year, not bad for a guy who was the #4 receiver at best.
I remember
Just checked out his stats: 112 yards, 9.8 AVG. One scary stat though, 3 fumbles 1 lost…
Both have 4.49 40’s. Similar height and weight too.
Going to be a very interesting roster battle at WR.
by Jesse Reynolds on Aug 22, 2011 12:42 AM MDT up reply actions
Komar doesn't make the team at this point.
"The point is, by my standards, I won fair and square."
-Bender
Agreed
We need to just plain ol’ cut Lenon and Haggans, Porter may still be of some use to us.
Well not really, Reggie Walker has been with the team for how long? He is a far better downhill LB than Lenon ever was. But despite Lenons shortcomings we cannot outright cut him, he is going to be the #3 guy for this team.
Reggie Walker
has not shown himself to be better than Lenon. He didn’t see much time in rotation last year.
Not saying he is good, but he is “viable depth” He is a downhill LB that has been with the team for 3+ years now.
Long term I want to see Sturdivant as a backup here with Washington and Bradley starting, how much chance there is of that, I don’t know.
Sorry but that's just idiotic ... walker isn't better than paris. prove it to me.
"The point is, by my standards, I won fair and square."
-Bender
thank you a voice of reason -- Q has dissappointed.
"The point is, by my standards, I won fair and square."
-Bender
Haggans provides so much veteran leadership and depth. I thought we were going to carry 5 OLB’s at the start of the offseason, we might still, but Will Davis has not shown up at all this preseason so don’t be surprised to see us carry 4 and have Davis miss the roster.
Yeah but Porter
is fine as the veteran leader of the LB’s, in fact if they end up as mean as Porter, that’s a good thing.
Haggans
Rewatched the game vs Green Bay. Haggans wasn’t a playmaker. He was in good position most of the time. Until these younger guys manage to push him out he is staying in the starting lineup. It’s his last year under contract. I doubt they keep him afterward.
Haggans maybe
He played well for us last year, I do not want to see him cut.
by Jesse Reynolds on Aug 22, 2011 12:44 AM MDT up reply actions
Quan Sturdivant
What is holding Quan Sturdivant to the bottom of the depth chart? I heard good thing about him coming out of college and the draft i was hoping he could help plug some of the huge holes in the middle for the Cards. I haven’t got to watch any games yet I’m stuck in Texas.
I think it is a mixture of inexperience and coming to terms with the playbook. He is behind guys who have started here or have spent a lot of time here. Guys like Lenon and Reggie Walker as well as Washington and Bradley.
It could also have a bit to do with his special teams impact (I caught some of the game, anyone notice if Qun was on kick/punt coverages)
I really like Quan, and I think the team does too, but if they beleive they can stash him on the PS for a year, and get more proven backup ILB’s and guys who impact ST’s more then that is what they will do. I hope he makes the roster, he has tremendous upside as a player.
I know people have a lot of expectations for him
But he’s a 6th round pick. Whether he slipped or not, doesn’t matter. Getting picked that low generally means developmental player. Doubt he makes the roster, probably a PS player.
So far I see it 8 deep:
Porter, Scho, Haggans and Acho at OLB and Bradley, Lenon, Wash and Walker at ILB. If Will Davis shows the promise he did last year before his injury I can see them cutting Haggans and keeping him. That would be ideal. Haggans is at the end a very solid 12 year career.
by Jesse Reynolds on Aug 22, 2011 12:51 AM MDT up reply actions
Q hasn't done shit .. I really liked the pick but he hasn't done anything to speak of in camp or preseason games.
"The point is, by my standards, I won fair and square."
-Bender
not done
let’s have a lil’ fun and see who can get the roster as close as it can be?
"The point is, by my standards, I won fair and square."
-Bender
I want to see
LOLB: Sam Acho / Hagg / Sharpe
ILB: Bradley / Lennon / Cyril
ILB: Washington / Sturdivant / Walker or Kendall Smith
ROLB: Porter / Scho / Duke Lemmens
It looks like we have a really talented LB Core, we just might this year, filled with really young big guys, Lets see what Horton will do.
"Victory belongs to the most Preserving" - Napoleon
I was pretty impressed with Beanie in this game...
he ran straight over AJ Hawk a couple times which showed that he had some intensity this past week.
Doesn’t make me feel great about Hawk but that’s beside the point….
In Every Climb and Place....
by PhoenicianPakFan on Aug 22, 2011 10:36 AM MDT reply actions
Maybe it's a Buckeye thing
But were those two ever on the same squad?
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